ASC Launches New Technology Initiative

LOS ANGELES-The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) hasannounced that it will recommend standards and practices for emergingtechnologies that affect the art and craft of filmmaking. Theinitiative is being led by Curtis Clark, ASC, who is chairing a new ASCTechnology Committee that includes some 50 cinematographers andtechnology thought leaders from all sectors of the industry.

"We will cut through the marketing hype about emerging technologiesand make informed recommendations that serve both the art of filmmakingand the public interest," says Clark. "ASC has created an open forumwhere some of the best minds in the industry are meeting and exchangingideas about the convergence of film, digital and hybrid motion imagingtechnologies. These dialogues will provide the basis for ourrecommendations for standards and practices."

Clark says that considerable progress has been made during the pastseveral months. Three sub-committees have been focusing on theevolution of film and digital cameras, digital intermediate, anddigital cinema technologies. Visual effects director of photographyDavid Stump, ASC is chairing the camera sub-committee with support fromvice chair Richard Edlund, ASC, which will recommend guidelines forimaging characteristics, including resolution, dynamic range andexposure latitude, and other features that leverage new technologies toenhance both digital and film cameras.

"The photography of motion picture images by a cinematographer oneither digital or film media is a creative process that can't besuperceded by the increasing sophistication of new motion imagingtechnology," Clark says. "It requires talent, intuition and skill. Wewill recommend imaging tools and camera features that providefilmmakers with more creative flexibility and latitude at affordablecosts."

Digital effects pioneer Gary Demos, with the support of vice chairAlan Caso, ASC, is leading the effort to recommend guidelines fordigital intermediate technology and practices for the purpose ofenhancing and preserving the intentions of the cinematographers whocreated the images.

"Digital intermediate technology extends the role of thecinematographer," says Clark. "We will set guidelines for scanning filmand converting it to digital format without compromising image quality.We will suggest a common language that enables cinematographers andcolorists to communicate more efficiently, and recommend practices thatmake their collaborations more effective. The ASC Technology Committeewill also recommend guidelines for recording processed digital picturefiles onto intermediate film and into digital files at resolutionssufficient to retain the artistic intentions of the cinematographerswho were the authors of the images."

Jerry Pierce, senior VP of technology at Universal Studios, headsthe digital cinema sub-committee, supported by vice chair Rob Hummel,senior VP at Warner Bros. This sub-committee will recommend standardsfor digital projection, which will ensure that movies are experiencedthe way they are intended to be seen and heard. As part of thisinitiative, Ron Garcia, ASC is overseeing the design and production ofsuitable test footage that the DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative)group-formed by the studios-will use for evaluating digital cinemaprojection systems.

"We are building bridges between the creative community,distributors and exhibitors who share a common interest in enhancingthe movie-going experience for audiences in affordable ways," saysClark. "Our goal is to create a dialogue which results inrecommendations for standards and practices that serve the art form andthe public."

ASC President Richard Crudo says that the Technology Committee isconsistent with the historic role the organization has played in thefilm industry. Fifteen founding members organized ASC in Hollywood inJanuary 1919 for the primary purpose of advancing the art and craft offilmmaking. It was still the dawn of the motion picture industry whenfilms were still silent and black and white.

"The founders of ASC were literally inventing a new language fortelling stories with moving images," Crudo says. "They played an activerole in defining the needs for new technologies and standards foradvancing the art form. We take our heritage very seriously. CurtisClark is uniquely qualified to lead this initiative. He is a talentedfilmmaker and leader in the imaginative harnessing of technology."

Clark traveled oversees to earn a degree from the London School ofFilm. He began his career in England filming documentaries, musicvideos and dramatic films. Clark returned to the U.S. in 1984, when hecollaborated with director Louis Malle on Alamo Bay. Other featurecredits include The Draughtsman's Contract, Extremities, Dominick andEugene, Triumph of the Spirit and Talent for the Game. He has alsocompiled several hundred commercial credits. In March 1999, Clarkfounded NeTune Communications in Los Angeles, which pioneered broadbandnetwork distribution of digital film dailies and real time videocollaboration for editing and visual effects via a private satelliteand terrestrial wireless system. Clark was NeTune CEO for severalyears. He recently decided to return to his first love,cinematography.

There are some 240 cinematographers and visual effects artists inASC today, with an additional 110 associate members who work in alliedsectors of the industry.

For more information about the American Society of Cinematographersand the activities of the ASC Technology Committee visit www.theasc.com